Inaugural Eid Fest set to light up ‘Ding

MUSLIMS across Berkshire will gather at Prospect Park to celebrate one of their most important festivals of the year.

Reading Eid Fest marks Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, and will see visitors young and old enjoy fun-filled activities and performances on Sunday, April 23.

It will be the first running of the event, which will feature traditional food stalls, children’s magic shows and henna.

Organiser Aradhana Singh said: “We did other events before where we wanted to bring all the community together. This event is the same and we are targeting to cater for the entire family.

“For many years, there was no Eid celebration, so our Muslim friends approached us to do it. So we thought, ‘OK, let’s do it this year.’

“It’s all about getting everyone involved. There will be something for the kids, kids shows, magic shows. And we’ve got great artists lined up, too.”

Eid, or Eid alFitr, is known as the Festival of Sweets and is one of two official holidays within Islam.

It takes place on the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar.

It indicates the conclusion of the month of dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan, which also promotes prayer, reflection and community.

Lyca Radio presenter Anisa Nasir will host the event, announcing live performances which feature a variety of traditional music and dance.

Local artists set to dazzle include: Maz Bonafide, Asif Khan, Adil Hashmi & S.I.B., Sonia Chohan, Qawwali by Awais Mian Qawwal, Adrees Rafiq, Sharmin Khan, Nishi Malhotra and Bhangra by Asli Baharan

Punjab Diyan group. A Bollywood DJ and Punjabi Dhol players will also be in attendance to provide what promises to be an electric atmosphere. There will be food stalls offering a variety of treats and snacks, from delicious sweets to savoury items, as well as opportunities to browse and shop for traditional clothing, jewellery and accessories, including: abayas, salwar kameezes, ornate bangles and earrings. Children can get involved with the henna corner, face painting, magic and puppet shows, balloon modelling, fire show and stilt walking.

Tickets are £3 in advance or £5 on the door.

The event will take place from 1pm-8pm.